Physiology
Much larger than their previous evolutions, Nidoking now have the ability to stand on their hind legs. Unlike his pre-evolutions, Nidoking is purple instead of fuchsia, and he does not possess spots. Nidoking’s most prominent feature is its large, pointed, venomous horn which it uses extensively for battling purposes. Nidoking’s ears have small pointed extensions on the tips, and the insides of its round ears are green-colored. Nidoking have five teeth on each side of their lower jaw, the fifth protruding out of the jaw and thus visible when its mouth is closed. Nidoking’s eyes are shaped like scalene triangles, and there is fur growing off the bottom of his jaw. The spines growing down Nidoking’s back are extremely large, as is its tail, which is decorated with several thin stripes. Its chest and abdomen, gray in coloration, seem to be quite muscular. Nidoking has white-colored ridges on its three-clawed arms and a single, large, hoof-like toe.
Gender differences
Nidoking is the male of the species. For the female equivalent, see Nidoqueen.
Special abilities
Nidoking have powerful physical attacks with their strong tails, large horn and their ability to poison the foe on contact. They also have excellent potential when owned by a Trainer. They can also cause large tremors by slamming the ground.
Behavior
Nidoking are angered easily, and can be very violent when provoked. They can use their powerful tail to thrash and crush the bones of their prey. Nidoking will often go on rampages for little or no apparent reason.
Habitat
Nidoking tend to live in grasslands, rough terrain and forests. Despite their ability to live in various habitats, Nidoking are rare Pokémon, especially in the wild. It is most likely to be found within the same range that Nidoran♂ and Nidorino are found.
Diet
- Main article: Pokémon food
Nidoking uses its powerful tail to smash, constrict, then break its prey's bones.
Major appearances
Gary Oak has a Nidoking that first appeared in The Battle of the Badge.
A Nidoking appeared under the ownership of Oscar in The Bicker the Better. His girlfriend Andi had a Nidoqueen.
A Nidoking appeared in A Pyramiding Rage! under the ownership of Paul. He was used to battle against Brandon's Registeel. Although he used powerful attacks against it, Registeel was still able to hold its own and brought down Nidoking.
Minor appearances
Jessie and James are attacked by a pink Nidoking in In the Pink.
A Nidoking appeared in the episode Showdown at the Oak Corral, trying to mate with Cassidy (who was in a Nidoqueen costume at the time).
A Nidoking appears in the The Legend of Thunder! opening, A New Oath, as Silver's Pokémon.
A Nidoking was among the Pokémon used to attack Dawn, Brock, Officer Jenny, and Solana in Pokémon Ranger and the Kidnapped Riolu! Part Two.
A Nidoking also appeared in Historical Mystery Tour! with a Nidoqueen.
Pokédex entries
Episode
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Pokémon
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Source
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Entry
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AG072
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Nidoking
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Ash's Pokédex
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Nidoking, the Drill Pokémon. Nidoking swings its large tail about to create distance, then charges in with the full force of its body behind it.
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Episode
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Pokémon
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Source
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Entry
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DP128
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Nidoking
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Dawn's Pokédex
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Nidoking, the Drill Pokémon. One swing of its mighty tail can snap a telephone pole as if it were nothing but a matchstick.
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- Nidoking and its female counterpart Nidoqueen share the same species name with Rhydon and Rhyperior. They are all known as Drill Pokémon. Coincidentally, all four are also Template:Type2s.
- Nidoqueen and Nidoking are the only Pokémon with a Poison/Ground type combination.
- Nidoking is a popular choice with rivals as both of Ash's main rivals (Gary and Paul) have one as well as Jimmy's main rival.
- Although many of its Pokédex entries refer to it constricting its foes using its tail, it cannot learn the move Constrict nor can it learn Wrap or Bind, both of which also involve constricting the opponent.
Origin
Nidoking shares traits of rhinoceroses, gorillas, rabbits and porcupines.
Name origin
Nidoking's name may be based on the word needle. It may also be based on cnidocyte, a type of venomous cell responsible for the stings delivered by stinging animals, most notably, by jellyfish. Alternatively, it may be based on 二 ni, two, or 二度 nido, two times/two degrees, referring to there being two distinct evolutionary lines using the name with similar names and traits. The second part of its name is simply king, referring to its male gender.